Wednesday, December 26, 2018

GM Authority Highlights Next Year's Blazer's Distinctive Looks + Pride of the Bow Tie Brand




The Bow Tie brand has definitely had the proper time to realize what a great thing it has on its hands with the all-new 2019 Blazer, and this week on the GM Authority blog, it is highlighted how the design will inspire future Chevy crossovers. While every brand in existence has certain characteristics that set it apart, the lighting signature, dual-port grille, and common tail lamp design are some of the traits that every Chuck Hutton customer has grown to love over time. In a recent press release about the FNR-CarryAll concept, Chevy provided the consumer with a broad look into the future.




This concept fully embodies the next development trend for Chevy SUVs, taking into account the potential for powerful capability, world-class comfort, and advanced connectivity options. Future Chevy SUVS will definitely draw inspiration from this Blazer's design, which showcases a thin version of daytime running lamps, followed up by an aggressive grill, which finalizes into a very sporty and athletic stance. Taking a hefty dose of inspiration from the Camaro, these specific features may work their way nicely into other crossovers like the Traverse, Equinox, and Trax. Recent spy shots confirm that the design of the upcoming 2020 Chevy Trax will take many cues from the 2019 Blazer, like the prominent grille, and daytime running lights.




The overall roofline and joining area between the roofline and A-pillar are other similarities between the current Blazer and 2020 Trax prototype. The press release on the 2019 Blazer deemed it the “boldest, most progressive expression of the Chevrolet crossover design theme,” citing attitude and commanding looks at wildly positive draws. We can fully educate you on the different elements on each trim level that cater to customers looking for style, functionality, and practical use. The Premier trim offers up the additive of bright chrome accents, while the Blazer RS has a more menacing and blacked-out stance. Other awesome highlights include five-passenger seating with up to 64.2 cubic feet of max cargo space, and adjustable sliding rear seat.




Ask us to check out the benefits of the available Chevy-first cargo management system, featuring an ultra-handy cargo fence as well as rail system to put to use. The Blazer offers the choice of a standard 2.5-liter I-4, and available 3.6-liter V6 engines, each paired with a nine-speed transmission. The max trailering rating is 4,500 lbs, when putting to use the available 3.6-L V6. One of the coolest features in existence is the available Hitch View feature on the Blazer: this makes the tedious chore of hitching much easier, and ultimately need less manpower and time to get the job done. Car and Driver dreamed about the way it would look covered in mud as any high-powered capable and perfectly holiday gifted off-roader should!

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Road Show Finds Bolt EV to Be A “Solid Value,” Brandishing “Excitement Turn-By-Turn”




Good for 238 miles of EV cruising range, the 2019 Chevy Bolt was an Eco-friendly and tech-laden topic that the staff of Road Show were eager to cover this past week on their blog. Quick to claim it as “one of the best EV's on the road,” it highlighted some of the great features that make it stand out, as competition from many other brands is mounting steadily. Making its debut during 2016, the class-leading 238 miles of EPA range brandished at helm is one of its strongest selling points. The Nissan Leaf weighs in at a measly 150 miles of range, as does the Hyundai Ioniq.

Shining high in a category where having high-tech premise and an alluring low price will always be a draw, all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis are excited to show you in detail the many benefits of owning a Bolt. It's all about the battery when you're talking about EV's, and the one in question here is a 960-pound, 60-kWh lithium-ion power supply, situated under the seats. Because of this, the seating position is about a head taller than it would be in some competing models, making highway drives have a bit more of a commanding sense from the cockpit.



If you happen to be in a rush which so many of us are during these demanding days, the optional DC Combo Fast Charging system can juice up the battery to 90 miles of range in a half an hour flat. With a grand total of 238 hours to work with, the testing staff from Road Show did not ever run into a situation where they needed this fast charge, but knowing that it is there for you on standby for long trips can provide an ample peace of mind. The 200-horsepower unit does send up to 266 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, by means of a single-speed reduction gear.

This amount of torque equips the Bolt abundantly with very responsive performance and plenty of pep for the typical around-town jaunt. One of the most amazing features of this modern engineering accomplishment is the way in which the Bolt incorporates regenerative braking. With the simple use of a paddle on the steering wheel, you activate a very significant slowing of the EV, with results as if you'd pressed the brake pedal. This is just one of the ways that you can make sure you get the optimal range and promise out of your Bolt, as well as using the “one pedal driving” mode. Bluetooth calling, audio streaming, and USB connectivity for audio playback are all found within the 10.2-inch color touchscreen display, that is also home to a unique version of the MyLink infotainment system.




Are you looking for the ultimate in protection and heightened awareness during driving for your new car search? Another great feature to check out is the amazing Surround Vision System that is available on the Premier model: the complete evolution of the rear-view camera that pieces together feeds from 4 different cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the car's area during times of low-speed travel is ultra-keen at keeping you safe. One of the most revolutionary technologies that we have seen as of late is Lane Keeping Assist: it incorporates the electric power steering to keep the Bolt between lane markers during moments of potential drowsiness on the highway. As the future of cars lurches bravely ahead into a large array of electric power offerings, one of the true pioneers absolutely remains the most attractive: come to pay us a holiday visit soon, and appreciate the many reasons the versatile and Bolt can win you over this holiday season!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Corvette C8.R Tests at Sebring by Autoblog Reveal Prototype's Salacious Sound




Coming just around the corner, all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have been looking forward to the release of the 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette. Youtube user Lanky Turtle provided a video that gave users a first listen to the primely-tuned exhaust and exhilarating speed factor that those who embrace the utter clout and monumental magic of the C8 have been waiting for. The Corvette has seen its own true and individual sense of evolving form over the decades, from the very slender and front-cue curvaceous models of the late 1970's, to the much more futuristic and wildly foreboding models from next year. You can check out the video Here.

As the brawny and ballsy C8 completed laps around the Sebring race track, it emitted a very high-pitched and urgent sound, due to the use of overhead cams instead of pushrods to make sure that the Corvette constantly can rev higher. Use of the flat-plane crankshaft also is a factor, similar to that of the GT350, which can make various changes in pitch for the exhaust note while cylinders are firing at different times than is seen in a traditional cross-plane crank engine.

One rumor that has been circulating as of late is that there could be a higher-performance engine offered with double-overhead cams, and a flat-plane crank, as well as the possibility of the tried-and-tested DOHC engine gaining a pair of trigger-happy and untamed turbochargers. There have been a few leaked enhanced CAD drawings circulating that show a naturally aspirated engine, and one showing the feisty-and-furious twin-turbo to boot. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this release is understandable: after many decades of speculation and mulling over rough drawings, it could be said by many with more than a casual penchant for the track that this is the most anticipated sports car in history.

All of us here love how this model's production is a chance for Chevy to innovate heavily and spend many long hours tackling the cooling research task with vigor. During testing on the famed Nurburgring circuit, it was noticed that two very distinct cut lines on the roof suggest a removable panel, which would not be a complete surprise. Another topic of frequent discussion is the patent for the clutch-by-wire system that is on deck to replace the traditional hydraulic master-and-slave mechanism, by means of an electronic actuator in the transmission, triggered by a very high-tech sensor situated on the clutch pedal. A run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020 wouldn't be surprising considering this car's strength, stealth-like presence, and final fulfillment of the rumors regarding mid-engine development through the years!

Monday, December 3, 2018

GM Performance Director Gives Detailed Overview of Chevy Camaro eCOPO Concept




1320 Video recently caught up with Russ O'Blenes, who is in charge of a very important and future-focused job: development regarding the all-electric Chevy Camaro eCOPO concept for GM. The future of electric performance vehicles is going to be thrust in the spotlight in a major way soon, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton have been fascinated with the potential, performance, and versatility of the electric motor in the Camaro eCOPO concept.

For many years, GM “Crate” engines have been the core of our performance line. After many hours of thought, research, and testing, a package was developed that was the ultimate solution for a direct replacement for a small block Chevy. The flex plate bolts right on, and any torque converter pulls up to it with ease. When asked in detail about the torque factor and exactly when the electric crate motor could be available to hot rod enthusiasts in the future, Russ laments that “it's more of a when than an if.” after a very strong reception during SEMA, it was recognized that even though gasoline has dangers, consumers have become comfortable, and began to realize the possibilities.



In regard to electrification, people are still in the early learning stage, and Russ is eager to expand on the element of safety that many are understanding needs to be learned and understood. The electric eCOPO offers up 720 hp, in a fashion of power provision that was previously only dreamed of.  Even though the torque spec sits a bit lower then what some may expect, it is truly amazing that we are peeking in on such a time of dire change, where pioneers such as Tesla have paved the way for a more receptive climate in terms of electrification.

You can view the video here, and at about 3:36 you get a glimpse of raw drag action. It is true that some may be overly amazed that this is an electric car, period. How the motor is designed is based on how much power is needed, and the battery weight is about 750 lbs total. Batteries are situated two in the backseat, two in the trunk, and under the hood is the dual motor assembly. The batteries are water-cooled courtesy of partner Hybrid Design Systems, and the high level of voltage is an element that has to be constantly considered in terms of safety. 800 volts and 1400 amps are quite serious in terms of sheer muscle factor.



Here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis, we realize that many of our customers have become very used to driving around gas-powered vehicles, and that the change on the horizon can sometimes be a different stretch to adapt to. We will keep you posted on how things progress with electrification in general, and just how fast this glimpse of the future will be arriving permanently on our showroom floor!